Free state tree guide

How central-Illinois gardeners can pick the perfect tree

Untitled Document
Last year’s high winds, tornadoes, and ice
storm played havoc on central-Illinois trees. If you haven’t already
replaced trees in your yard, take some time this summer looking at trees in
your area and learning about them. To help you decide on the perfect tree, Illinois
professional arborists representing cities, villages, universities, the
Morton Arboretum, the Illinois Arborist Association, and the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources have collaborated to produce a state guide
to selecting, planting, and caring for trees. “Under the Canopy” is a full-color
publication that shares some of the newest advances in tree care and
addresses tree- and landscaping-related issues stemming from new
residential development. In addition to how-to advice on landscape
planning, best planting practices, care, and pruning, the guide includes a
broad variety of 32 lesser-known trees recommended by professional
arborists for urban planting. A selection chart covers growth rate, size,
desirable features, adaptability, and special considerations for each
species. A full-color illustration of each tree, including leaf, flower,
and fruit, is also included.The Illinois Forestry Development Council, the city
of Urbana, the Illinois Arborist Association and the University of Illinois
Extension are among the 10 sponsors for the project. The guide is currently available free to home
gardeners in Sangamon and Menard counties. To pick up a copy, stop by the
Sangamon-Menard Extension, office located on the Illinois State
Fairgrounds. Jennifer Fishburn is a horticulture educator with the
University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard Unit. Contact her at
www.extension.uiuc.edu/Sangamon.